Governor Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Announce 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests; students compete for 4 year college scholarships

Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today invited students in kindergarten through 12th grades to participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests, for the prize of 4 year college scholarships. They also invited students, parents, teachers and principals to nominate full-time Hispanic educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.

The student contests focus on the theme of Celebrating Florida’s Heritage. Information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic heritage is available on Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month website, www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

“Florida’s history is written, in part, by strong Hispanic leaders who have helped make our state the best place to live in the nation,” Governor Scott said. “The 2012 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests will help students appreciate the endless contributions of Hispanic culture on everyday life in Florida.”

“The essay and art contests will enrich the learning experience in our classrooms,” Mrs. Scott said. “It’s important that Florida’s students have an opportunity to learn Florida’s history, and the many role models provided by Florida’s Hispanic community.”

About the Student Contests

Art Contest for Grades K-3 – The Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to all Florida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guidelines and entry forms.

Essay Contest for Grades 4 – 12 – The Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to all Florida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementary student (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high

school student (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guidelines and entry forms.

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About the Excellence in Education Award

Governor Scott’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all Hispanic, full time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8), and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a check for $1,500. Forms can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

All entries must be received by the Foundation no later than 5:00 p.m., EDT, September 28, 2012. (Contestants are responsible for all shipping costs).

About Hispanic Heritage Month

Several Latin American countries celebrate the anniversaries of independence during Hispanic Heritage Month. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate independence on September 15. Mexico achieved independence on September 16, and Chile, on September 18. Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1974 when President Gerald Ford issued a Presidential Proclamation extending Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long celebration, from September 15 through October 15.